As a follow-up to the saga of the pet birds in Belle Meade, the owner told me recently that the birds are no more.

Rather than face more punishment for keeping them, they had to give up the fight. As is the case in disputes such as this, civility becomes the first casualty. I would be beside myself if I had to get rid of either of my pets, Scooter and Whistle.

In my case, the battle, legal and proper, would still rage on. These birds, having seen them, had names. They were majestic and were responsive to their owner's voice and commands just like any other pet.

The residents who opposed the birds (and the owners, by the way) have acted in such a careless disregard, hiding behind a heretofore unenforced ordinance to have their way.